Amusement device for simulating a natural geyser



Dec. 16, 1969 w. M. WATERS 3,484,045

AMUSEMENT DEVICE FOR SIMULATING A NATURAL GEYSER Filed April 1, 1968 /NVENTOR WILL/AM M WA TEES A TTOE/VE Y 3,484,045 AMUSEMENT DEVICE FORSIMULATING A NATURAL GEYSlER William M. Waters, 19005 E. La Fetra Drive,Glendora, Calif. 91748 Filed Apr. 1, 1958, Ser. No. 717,559 Int. Cl.B0512 17/08 U.S. Ci. 23922 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREApparatus for simulating a natural geyser. Water or other liquid isheated to its boiling temperature within a combined heating condensingchamber communicating through a mixing chamber to a basin mounting anozzle in such a way that the liquid is expelled by vapor pressure fromthe chambers through the nozzle to simulate a natural geyser The vaporis then condensed by contact with the unheated wall of theheating-condensing chamber to produce within the heating-condensingchamber a subatmospheric pressure level for inducing return flow of theliquid from the basin to the heaing-condensing chamber to condition theapparatus for the next cycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention This inventionrelates generally to amusement devices and more particular y to a novelapparatus for simulating a natural geyser.

Prior art Amusement devices of the general class to which this inventionpertains are well known in the art. Examples of such devices, forexample, are found in U.S. Patents Nos. 1,280,784; 1,066,565 and2,619,377. These existing geyser simulating devices, however, arecharacterized by certain inherent deficiencies which this inventionseeks to overcome Among these deficiencies are complexities, high costof manufacture, and dependence upon mechanical devices such as checkvalves, etc., to control the flow of fluids in such a way to achieve arepetition of events, dependence upon varying or interrupting thequantity of heat input to achieve a repetition of events, or dependenceon gravity to induce return flow of the working liquid from the geysterbasin to the heating chamber. This gravity induced return flow of theliquid is undesirable for the reason that it dictates certain relativepositions of the various components of the geyser devices which may bedifiicult to achieve, particularly by children, and comp icate the useof the device. Moreover, the required relative positioning of thevarious components may undesirably increase the overall size of thedevice.

' SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improvedapparatus for simulating a natural geyser which avoids the above notedand other disadvantages of the existing amusement devices of this kind.A particular advantage of the present amusement device, for example,resides in its lack of dependence on gravity to induce return of theworking liquid from the geyser basin to the heating chamber. As willappear from the ensuing description, however, the present apparatus maybe arranged in such a way that gravity aids the return fiow.

In addition, that feature of the apparatus which makes it independent ofgravity also provides a sequence of events which ends with the fluidsysem in the same condition as it was the beginning of the sequence.This returning of the sysiem to its initial condition allows the seniteStates Patent O 3,484,045 Patented Dec. 16, 1969 "ice quence of eventsto be repeated Without the use of mechanical or electrical devices andwithout the interruption or variation of the heat source.

To this end, the present gyser simulating apparatus has aheating-condensing chamber communicating through a mixingchamber to ageyser basin mounting a nozzle. A working liquid, such as water, isheated within the heating-condensing chamber to generate a vapor orsteam which initially expels the liquid from the heating-condensingchamber through the mixing chamber to the nozzle to provide a simulatedgeyser display. In the course of being expelled from theheating-condensing chamber, a small quantity of liquid is retained inthe heated chamber at or near the point of heat input where it continuesto vaporize. The vapors given off by the boiling of the retained liquidcontinue to expel the remaining liquid from the condensing portion ofthe heating-condensing chamber. The hot liquid from the heated portionof the heating-condensing chamber in passing through the condensingportion raises the temperature of the walls. After expelling the liquidfrom the condensing portion, the vapor is in contact with the walls ofthe condensing portion whose temperature has been raised by the passageof the hot liquid as described above. Under these conditions, the rateof condensation of the vapor on the walfs of the condensing portion islow. As the cooling effect of the environment reduces the temperature ofthe walls in the condensing portion, the rate of vapor condensation willincrease. When the rate of condensation on the aforementioned wallsexceeds the rate of vaporization from the boiling of the liquid retainedin the heating portion, the pressure within the combinedheating-condensing chamber will be lowered to produce a subatmosphericpressure level. This subatmospheric pressure level induces return flowof the working liquid from the basin to the chambers. Any vaporremaining in the heatingcondensing chamber is condensed by the returningliquid to further reduce the chamber pressures and thereby aid theliquid return. Eventually, the heating-condensing chamber is refilledwith the liquid to condition the pparatus for the next cycle. Thiscyclic operation continues as long as there is sufiicient liquid in theapparatus and heat is applied. If desired, the various components of theapparatus may be separately constructed for assembly by the user andarranged so that gravity aids atmospheric pressure induced return flowof the working liquid to the heating-condensing chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of ageyser simulating apparatus according to the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged section taken on line 22 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlargement of the area encircled by the arrow 3-3 inFIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 4 illustrates the condition of the heatingcondensing chamber nearthe conclusion of the liquid expulsion portion of the geyser cycle ofthe apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The invention provides a geysersimulating apparatus represented in the drawings by the apparatus 10,which is characterized generally by a combined heating-condensingchamber 12, adapted to be filled with a working liquid 16, such aswater. It will be observed that the chamber opens downwardly and isshaped to provide a shallow catch basin B (FIGURE 4) at the upper end ofthe chamber. The apparatus also has a geyser basin 18 with a normallyupwardly opening cavity 20 for containing the liquid 16 to the normallevel L indicated. Mounted over the basin cavity 20, adjacent the liquidlevel L, is a nozzle 22. Between the heating-condensing chamber 12 andthe geyser basin 18 is a mixing chamber 14 which opens to the lower endof the chamber 12. A first conduit 24 communicates the mixing chamber 14and geyser basin 18 adjacent the bottom of the chamber and basin cavity,as shown. The passage in the conduit opens to the basin cavity through aflow restricting orifice 26. A second conduit 28 communicates the mixingchamber 14 and basin nozzle 22.

Briefly, during operation of the apparatus, the liquid 16 within thechamber 12 is heated to its boiling temperature by a heater 30, whichmay be an electrical heater, gas burner, or the like. The liquid vaporor steam which is then generated expels the liquid from the chamber intothe mixing chamber 14 and then from the mixing chamber to the basin 18through both conduits 24, 28. As the liquid level falls in the chamber12, a small quantity of liquid is retained in the upper chamber basin B,as shown in FIGURE 4, where it is boiled by heater 30. The vaporizationof the liquid at B continues to expel the remaining liquid from thechamber 32. The height control orifice 26 restricts flow through theconduit 24, whereby the rest of the liquid displaced from the mixingchamber passes through the conduit 28 and the nozzle 22 to produce asimulated geyser display. Eventually, most if not all of the liquid isexpelled from the heating and condensing chamber 12, so thatcondensation of the vapor can occur on the relatively cooler walls atthe lower end of this chamber. When the rate of vapor condensation orthe Walls of chamber 12 exceeds the rate of vapor generation from theliquid boiling at B, the pressure within the chamber 12 will be belowthe ambient pressure. This creates a subatmospheric pressure conditionor level within the heating-condensing chamber which tends to inducereturn flow of the working liquid 16 from the basin 18 to the chambers12, 14. Any remaining vapor within the chambers is condensed by contactwith the cool returning liquid, thereby further reducing the chamberpressure and aiding the liquid return flow. Eventually, the chambers 12,14 will refill completely to condition the apparatus for the next cycle.This cyclic operation continues to repeat automatically so long as theapparatus contains suflicient liquid and heat is applied to the heatingchamber.

Referring now in greater detail to the embodiment of the invention whichhas been selected for illustration, the heating-condensing chamber 12,mixing chamber 14, basin 18, and conduits 24, 28 comprise separatelyformed parts which are releasably joined by resilient stoppers oncertain of the parts fitting within openings in other parts, as shown.Thus, the chamber 12 is a simple flask having a neck 32 containing adouble tapered stopper 34 with a central passage. This stopper fits inthe mouth of the flask and in an opening 36 in one side wall 38 of themixing chamber 14. Chamber wall 38 is inclined, as shown, to permit theflask 12 to incline upwardly from the mixing chamber with its bottomdisposed in an elevated position and supported on a heater 30. Basin 18has a bottom wall 40 from which rises an integral tubular formation 42.The upper end of this formation is tapered to define the nozzle 22.

Extending through the tubular basin formation 42 is a central passage 44which opens through the underside of the basin. The orifice 26 opensthrough the basin wall 40. Integrally formed on the underside of thiswall is a neck-like flange 46. The conduits 24, 28 comprise plastic orrubber hoses, in the ends of which are fixed tubes 48. These tubes arepress fitted in stoppers 50 which, in turn, are press fitted in thelower ends of the nozzle passage 44, in the lower basin neck flange 46,and in openings 51 and 52 in the side wall 38 and top wall 54 of themixing chamber 14.

It is now evident that when the liquid 16 within the flask or heatingchamber 12 is heated to the boiling temperature by the heater 30, theliquid is expelled, by the generated vapor or steam, from the flaskthrough its neck 32 into the mixing chamber 14, and then from thischamber to the basin 18 and nozzle 22 through the conduits 24, 28. Theorifices 26, 22 are sized to regulate the height of the eruption. Thisexpulsion of the liquid from the chambers through the nozzle creates asimulated geyser display. Eventually, most if not all of the liquid isexpelled from the chamber 12. The mixing chamber reduces the temperatureof the liquid before it flows out the nozzle for reasons of safety andprovides a supply of relatively cool liquid at the heating-condensingchamber entrance to promote rapid condensation during the refillingportion of the cycle.

The vapor pressure within the chamber 12 now drops rapidly due to thevapor condensing action which occurs when the vapor contacts therelativley cool lower wall of the flask neck 32. This condensation ofthe vapor creates within the chambers a subatmospheric pressure levelwhich tends to induce return flow of the liquid 16 from the basin 18,through the orifice 26 and conduit 24, to the chambers. Any vaporremaining within the chambers is cooled and condensed by the returningliquid, whereby the chamber pressure is further reduced. Eventually, thereturning liquid refills the chamber to condition the apparatus for thenext cycle.

The subatmospheric pressure level existing during the refilling of flask12 also induces a flow of air through the nozzle 22 into the cavity 44which lowers the liquid level in cavity 44 below the level in basin 18.After the filling of flask 12 and the subatmospheric pressure level nolonger exists, the liquid levels in cavity 44 and basin 18 will equalizebecause of the fluid path through conduits 24, 28 and mixing chamber 14.

If desired, the basin 18 may be mounted on legs 55 to mount the basin inan elevated position relative to the heating and condensing chambers 12,32 and thereby enable gravity to aid return liquid flow from the geyserbasin to the chambers. Also, the heater 30 and the upper end of theheating chamber or flask 12 may be enclosed in a housing 56 to attainmore eflicient heating of the liquid within the flask.

Since the various elements or components of the present geysersimulating apparatus are connected by stoppers. these components may beseparated for convenience of storage when not in use. Moreover, theequipment is very easy to set up, even by children, and is veryinexpensive to manufacture.

What is claimed as new in support of Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus for simulating a natural geyser comprismg:

means defining heating and condensing chamber means adapted to be fedwith a working liquid such as water,

a basin having a normally upwardly opening cavity for containing saidworking liquid to a normal level,

a normally upwardly opening nozzle mounted over said basin adjacent saidliquid level,

Ia, first conduit communicating said chamber means to said basin cavitybelow said normal liquid level,

a second conduit communicating said chamber means to said nozzle, and

means for heating said liquid in said chamber means to cause saidapparatus to proceed through an automatically reoccurring operatingcycle involving initial expulsion of said liquid from said chamber meansthrough said nozzle by the vapor pressure of said liquid, and finalcondensation of the vapor within said chamber means to effect returnflow of said liquid from said basin to said chamber means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

condensation of the vapor in said chamber means 1n1t1 ally produces asubatmospheric condition within said chamber means for inducing returnflow of said liquid from said basin to said chamber means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein:

said chamber means are located below the level of said basin wherebysaid liquid return flow is aided by gravity.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 including:

a mixing chamber opening to said chamber means adjacent the bottom ofsaid chamber means, said first conduit opening to said mixing chamberadjacent the bottom of said mixing chamber, and said second conduitopening to said mixing chamber adjacent the top of said mixing chamber.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein:

said basin, chamber means, mixing chamber, and conduits compriseseparately formed parts, and

at least some of said parts are releasably joined by resilient stopperson certain parts fitting within openings in the other parts.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein:

said mixing chamber has a pair of first openings in its sides and asecond opening in its top,

said first conduit has a resilient stopper which fits within one of saidfirst chamber openings,

said heating chamber has a neck containing a resilient stopper whichfits within the other first chamber opening and is formed with a centralpassage communicating said chambers, and

said second conduit has a resilient stopper which fits within saidsecond chamber opening.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

said nozzle is formed inwardly with the wall of said basin.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

the bottom Wall of said basin has a central upstanding tubular formationdefining said nozzle.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

the liquid passage communicating said basin and chamber means throughsaid first conduit contains a fiow restricting orifice.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

said basin includes a bottom wall having openings communicating saidbasin cavity and nozzle, respectively,

OTHER REFERENCES The Encyclopedia Americana, International Edition, pp.631 and 632.

EVERETT W. KIRBY, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

